Most people are surprised to learn that approximately 1 out of every 10 people is affected by some type of hearing loss. The number of children that are affected is about 2 in 100 and for adults over 65 years of age the ratio jumps to a staggering almost 1 in 3! One has to wonder why hearing loss is so prevalent, what are the causes and if there is some way we can correct or prevent it.
Learning how to protect yourself and being fitted with the proper hearing aids as soon as hearing loss is diagnosed can prevent further damage and increased hearing loss. There are steps that can be taken to help avoid hearing loss that is known to be noise-induced as well as ways to minimize the progression of age related hearing loss including:
* Recreational safety - Limiting one's exposure to such activities as snowmobiling, motorized dirt biking or extremely loud music can help avoid causing damage to your hearing. Taking frequent breaks or wearing proper ear protection can also help.
* Regular hearing tests - Having your hearing tested regularly, especially for those working in noisy environments, can alert you of any hearing loss at the earliest stages. This is critical as once you have been diagnosed with some hearing loss you can usually prevent it from progressing even further.
* Proper protection - Wearing the right type of ear protection can protect your ears from damage by bringing the noise entering your ears down to acceptable levels.
There are a number of things that can cause hearing loss and it is important to note that not all hearing loss is permanent. Certain issues relating to the outer or middle ear are known as conductive hearing loss and can often be treated with medication, surgery or by the removal of wax. This condition can be the result of such things as:
* Punctured eardrums
* Otosclerosis
* Infection
* Fluid or wax build-up
The majority of hearing loss occurring in adults that is caused by noise and aging, is known as sensorineural hearing loss. In these cases it is the auditory nerve and the cochlea that are affected where sounds can become both distorted and result in reduced volume. Vowels and other lower frequency sounds tend to be easier to hear with the higher frequency sounds and certain words, generally being the first to go. A comprehensive evaluation by a trained specialist will help you understand which type of hearing loss you have and the most suitable hearing aids for your particular condition.
Another condition that can accompany hearing loss is tinnitus (or ringing in the ears), and is often the result of prolonged exposure to sounds that are excessively loud. Individuals with tinnitus perceive sounds like hissing, buzzing or ringing that are not actually present. Some of the issues that can be related to tinnitus are aging, sensory nerve disorders, build-up of ear wax and even high blood pressure. There are certain factors which can also lead to this condition such as, antibiotics, aspirin, alcohol, caffeine as well as cigarette smoking.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of tinnitus should consult their health care professional to rule out any medical issues however, more often than not, those with tinnitus also suffer from hearing loss. Being fitted with hearing aids can be of great benefit in making the symptoms less distracting by way of masking the tinnitus. The key to preventing or minimizing hearing loss is by having regular check-ups as well as being fitted for the right hearing aids as soon as possible after diagnosis.
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Hearing Aid can really help the people who are suffering from hearing loss. You can visit hearing aids for more details.
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